Frederick, MD – Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) is eager to announce the four teachers that are advancing as finalists for the 2025-2026 FCPS Teacher of the Year Award.
This year’s finalists are:
- Barbara Matlock, Brunswick Elementary
- Melanie Pereira, Hillcrest Elementary
- ALonna Soward, Monocacy Elementary
- Travis Zimmerman, Urbana High
One of these four will be named the 2025-26 FCPS Teacher of the Year:
2025-26 Teacher of the Year finalists
Barbara Matlock began her teaching career 37 years ago at Brunswick Elementary, where she continues to teach to this day. During her time at Brunswick, Matlock has taught 2nd grade, kindergarten, and PreK and served on several school improvement teams and as a team leader. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Shepherd University and a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood education from Hood College.
Melanie Pereira is passionate about creating an inclusive classroom for all students to feel valued and empowered. A supporter of the Youth Scholars Summer Program, Pereira teaches advanced academics. In 2018, she transitioned to the bilingual program at Hillcrest Elementary and continues to teach there. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland, College Park.
ALonna Soward teaches fourth grade at Monocacy Elementary, where she remains actively involved in the School Improvement Team, System Improvement Team for Blueprint Implementation, and the Student Engagement and STEM team. Soward earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary/Special Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Hood College in Frederick.
Travis Zimmerman began teaching Business and Computer Science at Urbana High in 2021. As a career and technology educator, Zimmerman works to ensure students who take his courses develop strategies that will lead to postgraduate success. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University, a Master’s Degree from Sam Houston State University and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Innovation from Marymount University.
Each FCPS school is eligible to nominate one dedicated educator for FCPS Teacher of the Year. The FCPS Teacher of the Year will be the county’s representative in the Maryland State Teacher of the Year program.
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